I can understand and be empathetic as to how so many parents can easily drag themselves down to career ‘responsibilities’ over family ‘nice-to-haves’… but you see — the real deal is that it’s just the other way around.
I cancelled a very important thing I had to do today at work to be with my daughter in a daycare party.
I must confess — I actually thought not to cancel my work matter at first.
I had about 20 people count on me to be there today, and I was so afraid of letting them down.
The thing is, I always tell myself “family first”. It’s this kind of mantra. But I was dead serious about my commitments and was afraid to hurt my professional integrity.
The other day, my daughter told me: “Daddy, are you coming to my party this Friday?”
That hit me hard. Am I going to tell her that my work is more important than her?
Is it really? Fuck no!
Eventually, I canceled that work matter today, as hard as it was for me. I told everyone I’m not coming. It was hard, but I’m so glad I did it.
I now understand what an asshole of a father I could have been for not showing up at my daughter’s daycare party.
I can understand and be empathetic as to how so many parents in our western career chasing society can easily drag themselves down to career ‘responsibilities’ over family ‘nice-to-haves’… but you see — the real deal is that it’s just the other way around.
How can we change this? How can we keep out eyes wide open and see this, and how can we later spread awareness towards this in our work environments?
I know I’m having my priorities straight. Life is short, so I’m going to be spending as much time as I can with my loved ones, and I think it should be that way for anyone.
When you lay back in your bed, and your time has come, would you be filled with regret for not spending enough time at the office?
The 20 people I stood up today will live, and I can make it up for them 100%.
On the other hand, I could have never made up for disappointing my daughter. Certainly not make up for missing the quality time with her, showing her love and care while melting from her sunshine.
Go kiss your loved ones,
Cheers.
P.S. if you’re a doer and got your priorities straight — I would love for you to join my facebook group Mindful & Ruthless where we talk about these things regularly.